It was utterly shocking to hear the news of late. Dr. Miller's passing made me sadder than I could have imagined. How could something like this happen?  Park Tudor's Headmasters are such a vital part of our culture.  It may seem strange to some, but it's true. In 4th grade, my first year as a Panther, Headmaster Bruce Galbraith was ever present. He would walk the halls with a yo-yo and perform tricks. As I transitioned to the Upper School, Headmaster Doug Jennings joined our community and brought with him friendly conversations that I quite enjoyed. Dr. Miller had a youthful exuberance and took his job seriously. He was a dear friend to the students, parents, faculty, and staff alike. I met him on multiple occasions, most recently when he came to visit PT alumni in Los Angeles. Dr. Miller was eager to connect former students from different eras. Indeed, he connected me with a fascinating Park School graduate at the LA event.

But a dark shadow has been cast over Park Tudor as of late and there is not answer to the question: why? As we stare into the void and grow fearful of our own mortality remember: you are surrounded by beauty and incredible love.  The amount of love and compassion that is about to flood the halls and sing in the auditorium and fly throughout the Commons will remind people what this school is really all about. As hopeless a time as it may seem, the truth is that we are each other's cure. Not that there is an actual cure, but to know that your friends, mentors, and family are there for you. To know that your teachers really love and care for you. To know that those limestone walls will not crumble, and that the school year will go on.  

We must hold on to those truths. The hope and the fact that YOU are loved. YOU ARE LOVED! Seriously. You are. Don't forget it, folks. And if you do forget it, if you get trapped in the gaze of the abyss, if you get hopelessly cynical, remember it. You are loved and you love a lot of others too.

We cannot make the abyss go away, but we can keep it in its place.  The abyss need not wreck our lives. Fight back at it with love, compassion, and tireless empathy. Be strong, be still, and please, laugh.

II.
Even today, I talk with, text with, engage via social media with someone from PT. They are some of my closest and dearest friends.
Late night phone conversations, messages, texts, and posts galore.
Catching up in person over a cup of coffee, horchata, or beer. 
Liking photos of children, marriages, gatherings, triumphs.
Support during the difficult times, the darkest hours, providing love all around.
Bonding over the simple fact, we walked the same halls over two decades ago.

III.
Class of '89 features: a comedian, entertainment manager, a travel photo journalist, Infectious Disease Specialist, writers, child life specialist, artists, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon, activists, doctors, orchestra conductor, lawyers, business entrepreneurs, a mountain climber, IT specialists, musicians, a classroom teacher, a museum educator, engineers, marketing specialists, a lobbyist, jewelry designers, a reporter, a minister, an appellate court clerk, a wellness advocate, concert violinist, Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Assistant Attorney General, parents, financial advisors, EMR researcher for improved healthcare, a pilot, former military servicemen.

Amazing really. All we are today because of the solid PT foundation. We were once together in the small classrooms and now we roam the world...

This is the Park Tudor School I know and love!